Dean strode into the restaurant, his expression dark and menacing. The moment Hugh saw him, his confidence soared. He scrambled up from the floor and glared at Andrew with a venomous sneer.

"You think you're tough? Go ahead, slap me again, you punk! Let me teach you something—out here, it's all about power and connections!"

Andrew raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you sure you want me to slap you again?"

Hugh smacked his swollen face and jeered. "Do it! I dare you! You won't. You're probably so scared right now you're about to wet your pants!"

With Madblade Martial Academy's martial artists here, Hugh was convinced Andrew would not dare make another move. In his mind, he was already imagining the scene of Andrew groveling at his feet, sobbing and begging for forgiveness.

Yet, before Hugh could enjoy his fantasy, Andrew's hand whipped across his face again with twice the force. Hugh flew backward, crashing straight into Dean and his men as they entered the restaurant.

Dean's